- Glycolic Acid for Your Skin
- By: Lindsay Strachan
Glycolic acid is a multi-purpose
ingredient in skin care products. Glycolic acid can be found
in numerous cosmetics products ranging from skin lotions, to
acne gels, to facial peels. As such, glycolic acid is an invaluable
part of a successful skin care routine. Glycolic acid is effective
in treating sun-damaged skin, oily skin, dry skin, acne-prone
skin, acne scars, wrinkles, and more.
Glycolic acid belongs to the
family of alpha-hydroxy acids, a group of natural chemicals derived
from fruits (citric acid is another example of an alpha-hydroxy
acid). Glycolic acid itself is isolated from sugar cane. Glycolic
acid can be corrosive when applied in high enough concentrations.
For this reason, any product containing glycolic acid at a concentration
higher than 10% is considered to be hazardous. The majority of
skin care products do not contain glycolic acid in a concentration
higher than 10%. While high concentrations of glycolic acid can
be dangerous, concentrations that are too low may be ineffective.
Try to find glycolic acid products with a concentration ranging
from 8% to 10%. Concentrations for glycolic acid peels will be
much higher.
|
Glycolic Acid Benefits
When used in skin care products,
glycolic acid is a natural exfoliant and moisturizer. It is the
high acidity of glycolic acid that results in its excellent exfoliant
properties. When applied to the skin, glycolic acid penetrates
below the superficial layers of skin and breaks up the "glue"
that holds these dead skin cells together. |
|
Once the superficial skin layers
have been broken up, they can be removed, leaving a softer, smoother
layer of skin beneath. Glycolic acid also draws moisturizers
into the skin. Many cosmetics product lines offer a complete
skin care system. Skin care systems ensure that the effects of
glycolic acid reach their full potential, as well as neutralizing
the corrosive potential of glycolic acid on the skin.
Glycolic Acid for Acne
When using glycolic acid for
daily skin care routines, it is often combined with salicylic
acid. While glycolic acid breaks up dead skin cells, salicylic
acid encourages their removal from your skin surface, opening
pores and leaving skin feeling smooth and revitalized.
Glycolic Acid Peels
Whether you wish to treat acne
blemishes or to restore natural beauty to your skin, glycolic
acid peels provide a safe and effective opportunity for smooth,
beautiful, and rejuvenated skin. Concentrations of glycolic acid
can
reach up to 50%, which gives you a chance to decide the strength
of the glycolic acid peel you use. Typical glycolic acid peel
procedures involve weekly facial peels for up to 6 weeks.
Glycolic Acid Side Effects
& Cautions
Glycolic acid makes skin more
sensitive to sunburn, so application of glycolic acid should
always be followed up with sunscreen. If you are concerned about
acne, make sure you choose a sunscreen that is "noncomedogenic"
and oil-free.
A glycolic acid peel might very
well contain glycolic acid in a concentration as high as 50%,
and as such, skin immediately following a glycolic acid peel
appears as though it is extremely sunburned. This redness will
generally last a few days. Make sure to avoid exposure to sunlight
while you are recovering from a glycolic acid peel. |
Beauty Secrets of the World
